We've put up this page to help parents understand a little more about mathematics and to provide you with some additional resources. Please read my note and check out the web sites and resources below. I hope that you find this site helpful.
Math is a subject that all students CAN learn and it will enhance their opportunities and their self esteem later in life. The Power of Mathematics opens doors to new knowledge and understanding. Math is not hereditary - there is no math gene (at least I don't know of any!). The worst thing any parent can tell their child is that they were "bad in math" and that they understand why they are having trouble. Do not make excuses for students. If you do, their expectations (and yours) cost some children their math education. Everyone needs math to understand the world around them and make sound decisions on the future using probability and statistics. Encourage your child. Expect nothing but the best!
The tough part of math is the practice required to learn it well. But, let's put it in perspective... Would a basketball coach put a player on the floor that didn't show up to practice? Is there any sport that does not require practice? Why should math be any different? Math takes practice - 30-45 minutes per night is not expecting too much (a basketball practice is often a couple of hours per afternoon!). In the preparation for life, math should have a high priority, right?
Technology is changing the job market. No longer will there be jobs for students without mathematical reasoning skills. Students will not only have to do math but they will also have to communicate math and work together to solve problems. Jobs are being redefined. Employers are looking for a new kind of employee. Once students reach the job market more and more of them will have to create their own job and market their own skills. Downsizing is beginning to make this a reality today. I read a good book - The Monster Under the Bed by Stan Davis and Jim Botkin and it helped me to see the future in a new way.
Below are some additional sources that I've found that might give you some good information as parents. I will continue to update this list to provide you with the best tools to be the best parent. Please feel free to e-mail me at npowell@dave-world.net with ideas, questions, or comments about mathematics or about this site.
Helping Your Child Learn Math - U. S. Department of Education Helping Your Child Do Math Discovering Mathematical Talent - The Council for Exceptional Children Doing Mathematics With Your Child My Math Links which contains math content resources/web links How Important is Homework Helping Your Child with Homework - U.S. Department of Education Help Your Child Improve in Test-Taking from the U.S. Department of Education How Communities Can Support Family Involvement in Education from the Family Involvement Partnership for Learning Summer Home Learning Recipes for Parents and Children Grades 9-12 How Parents and Families Can Help Their Children Do Better in School Helping Your Child Use the Library - a skill used in Mathematics also! Helping Your Child Succeed in School - U.S. Department of Education Helping Your Child Learn Responsible Behavior - U.S. Department of Educaiton Aradillo's Parent Resources Parenting Issues on KidsCom Parents Place from iVillageParent Soup Links for Parentsfrom KidsCom National Parent Information Network Children's Software Revue"Fostering Academic Creativity in Gifted Students Meeting the Need of Gifted and Talented Minority Language Students Gifted but Learning Disabled: A Puzzling Paradox Career Planning for Gifted and Talented Youth College Planning for Gifted and Talented Youth Challenging Gifted Students in the Regular Classroom Underachieving Gifted Students Helping Your Highly Gifted Child - U.S. Department of EducationHow Parents can Support Gifted Children - U.S. Department of Education Personal Computers Help Gifted Students Work Smart - U.S. Department of Education Nurturing Giftedness in Young Children - funded by the U.S. Department of Education Giftedness and the Gifted: What's It All About? - The Council for Exceptional Children Davis, Stan and Jim Botkin, The Monster Under the Bed. 1994, Simon and Schuster, Chicago, IL
Nancy Powell, Lead Teacher - BHS Math 